Families describe serious concerns about continuing care provision
The BBC has heard from 105 families who described serious concerns with how Continuing Healthcare (CHC) for adults, and its equivalent for under-18s, Children and Young People's Continuing Care, are working, with most calling for reform. Some said they were assessed as eligible for funding, then the decisions were reversed. Others lost NHS support when they moved from one part of England to another. Yet more family carers described how a lack of support meant they had to care for a person for extended hours, or stay awake at night caring. BBC News article.
COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a - GOV.UK
The COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book has been updated to include eligibility for Spring 2024 campaign, including choice of vaccine type; vaccines being marketed outside of the NHS and more flexibility on schedules for individuals with immunosuppression. This follows UKHSA advice on a spring COVID-19 vaccine. People ineligible for free NHS vaccination are expected to be able to purchase a version of Pfizer/BioNTech’s vaccine in pharmacies from March 2024.
Generation X feel effect of caring for elderly relatives
Research by retirement specialists Just Group has found that Generation X (people born between 1965-1980) are spending the equivalent of a full State Pension on caring for elderly relatives. One in 10 (11%) are financially supporting elderly relatives with care costs, paying an average of £237.50 a week – equivalent to £12,350 a year or more than a full new State Pension. The majority of Generation X say these caring duties are making them feel poorer (54%) and tired (53%).
HSE updates first aid at work guidance
The Health and Safety Executive has updated its guidance on first aid at work. The publication First aid at work: Guidance on regulations sets out what organisations need to do to address first aid provision in the workplace. The updates include emphasising employers’ responsibilities to take account of employees’ mental health in their first aid needs assessment. This is accompanied by a second publication, also updated, Selecting a first aid training provider: A guide for employers. This has been updated to simplify what employers should consider when selecting a training provider. HSE say, in their latest bulletin, that the updates do not change what is required to comply with the law.
Local authority social services letter 2023
The Department of Health and Social Care have published the letter which clarifies local authority-specific revenue funding for the financial year 2023 to 2024, which was subject to the 2021 Spending Review. More information can be found here.
